Babies can develop broken blood vessels in one or both eyes, which causes a bloodshot appearance or turns the whites of the eyes red. In some cases, the cause of the broken blood vessels is unknown. Sometimes it is caused by the baby straining, coughing, or vomiting. There have also been cases of toddlers breaking blood vessels in their eyes when they bend over.
If your baby’s eye is red, the problem could be a subconjunctival hemorrhage. These are usually caused by trauma. The injury is often seen in cases of abuse, but it can also be caused by a birth injury. If you believe your child’s subconjunctival hemorrhage was caused by medical negligence, visit here for more information about infant subconjunctival hemorrhage lawsuits.
To learn more about what you should do if your baby has broken blood vessels in one or both eyes, keep reading. This article discusses what you need to do if your child’s eye is hurt and when it’s time to call the doctor.
How to Care for Your Baby’s Eye
Even though the blood in your infant’s eye may look alarming, it’s important not to panic. In most cases, broken blood vessels will resolve on their own within two to three weeks. As long as your baby doesn’t seem to be in pain and their vision hasn’t been affected, there is most likely no reason to worry. Some of the signs a baby has a vision problem include:
- The inability to make steady eye contact
- The inability to track an object with their eyes
- Any unusual eye movements
If you decide to have your baby’s eye looked at by the pediatrician, they will evaluate the infant’s condition and make sure there are no other injuries that could be related to the broken blood vessels. Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you and show up to any follow-up appointments.
When You Should Be Concerned
While your child’s broken blood vessels are healing, you’ll want to watch carefully for changes in their condition. It’s perfectly normal if the broken blood vessels change colors during the healing process just as any bruise would. If you see any of the following signs, it’s time to contact your pediatrician:
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Pain
- Blood in the front of the eye
Once your baby’s eye has healed, you’ll want to take steps to protect their eyes in the future. The following tips will help keep your baby’s vision safe.
How to Protect Your Baby’s Eyes
You can protect your baby’s vision by introducing them to age-appropriate toys with vivid primary colors. Babies also respond visually to black and white toys. These will stimulate their vision and their developing minds.
Babies’ light-colored eyes are vulnerable to the sun. To protect your baby’s eyes from the sun, be mindful of keeping their face shaded when you’re outdoors. Make sure those adorable infant sunglasses are UV coated. You can also put a hat on your baby or keep them shaded in a stroller. You can go here to learn more about sun-safe babies.
You’ll also want to keep a close watch on your baby’s eyes. If you see signs like excessive tearing, encrusted eyes, or light sensitivity, it may be a sign that something is wrong. One serious sign of trouble is a white or light pupil. This could be cancer, and it should be looked at right away.
You can encourage healthy visual development in your baby by visually engaging them. Make funny faces at your infant and hang a mobile above their crib. You should also consider making an appointment with an optometrist who has experience with pediatric patients to have your baby’s vision checked.
